If You Test Positive

If you receive a positive test result, isolate.

American University follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for isolation. For more information on visit the CDC's page on preventing the spread of respiratory viruses.

Self-Isolation

If you test positive for Covid-19 or have any of the following systems that cannot be explained by another cause, you should stay home and away from others. These symptoms include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache.

You can go back to your normal activities when your symptoms are improving overall, and you have been fever-free for 24 hours and are not using fever-reducing medication.

When you go back to normal activities take additional precautions for the next five days including wearing a mask, practicing good hygiene, and physical distancing.

Students, please communicate directly with each of your professors to make arrangements for missing any work while you are sick and/or self-isolating. Faculty have the discretion to make alternative arrangements when students are sick. You can also contact your academic advisor for additional support. If your absence from class is longer than a few consecutive days and you have sought medical attention, you should contact the Office of the Dean of Students for additional support. 

Faculty and staff, notify your supervisor that you will not be able to come to campus. If you are not well enough to work remotely or your modality does not allow for remote work, report sick leave consistent with the Sick and Safe Leave Policy. If you have questions regarding your work arrangements, please contact employeerelations@american.edu.

Release from Isolation

You may be released from isolation if your symptoms are improving, and you are fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication.  You should wear a mask in public for at least five additional days.

Residential Students: Isolate in Room

Any student who lives in AU-operated housing and tests positive must either:

• self-isolate in their room for the full length of isolation; or, 
• find alternate accommodations outside of AU Housing spaces (such as at home) during isolation. Students will not be relocated and will not be permitted to move to any other residence hall during the isolation period.

Guide for Students Isolating in Room

On-campus residents must isolate in their current residence hall room, but can leave their room to acquire food and supplies, attend medical appointments, and conduct other necessary activities while masking.